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“Just how many freakin’ cousins do you have?” I could see the blaze in her eyes.

I looked toward the sky to count. “You want a first cousin number or what?”

She shoved my chest. “That’s not funny. Oh my God, I thought you were with someone, and I flew here and I didn’t stop driving until I found you. I couldn’t stop and now…”

My wide eyes conveyed all the surprise I was feeling. “You were that serious to get here?”

She bit her lower lip. “Yeah.”

“Why? Why now?”

She shivered. “Do you think we could go inside, but maybe not here?” She rubbed the sides of her arms. “I don’t think I can face Cece after the de

ath stare I shot her.”

I laughed. “I doubt she thought anything of it. Cece’s a tough girl.”

“We need to talk, Blake.”

Talking could wait. There was only thing I wanted right now, and the more I played with her hair, the harder it was to deny.

I didn’t need a second invitation. I pulled her into my arms and pressed my mouth against her. Sierra wrapped her hands around my neck and moaned. Had I let her walk away? I was a fucking idiot. She started to giggle as I picked her up, and her legs wrapped around my hips.

“I missed you.” I growled into her neck. “More than I can say in words or in a song. There’s only one way to show you, darlin’.”

Sierra leaned into my body. “So can we get out of the freezing cold and can finish this somewhere else?”

“Hell yeah, I wanna go.” I placed Sierra’s feet back on the ground and took her hand. “Come on.”

Sierra looked at her car and then back to me. “You want to take my car? I don’t see your truck anywhere.”

“Girl, you have been gone way too long. You know the best way to travel around here is by boat.” I flashed her a smile. “We’ll get your car later. Come on.” I tugged on her hand.

Sierra followed me down the boardwalk to the slip where I had tied up my boat.

“Let me untie the ropes, and I’ll shove her off. Hold on.” I held out a hand to Sierra. Before she boarded, she glanced down at the side of the nameless boat we had cruised on so many times over the summer.

Sierra settled into the bench next to my captain’s seat. I tossed the ropes into the boat and started the engine.

The boat picked up speed, and the fall night encircled us as I cruised us out onto the open sound.

As soon as we docked, I helped her into my truck. I couldn’t get her inside fast enough.

“Cole told me you were at the Dock House. I don’t know if he’s still at your place.”

“Got it.” I steered my truck toward the end of Gull Island. Toward Lindy’s house. It was Sierra’s now.

Sierra climbed the stairs and opened the back door. I didn’t let her get far over the threshold before I snaked my arms around her and dragged her lips to mine. It was dark and cold inside, but I had enough pent up sexual frustration and heat for this woman to burn down the whole fucking house.

My hands landed on the button of her jeans. “I want you now,” I growled.

“Wait. Wait a second.” She took a big breath, pressing her palms into my chest.

I groaned. “We can talk later.”

She shook her head. “No. I have to tell you, Blake. Please. I-I have to say it.”

I dropped my hands. “Ok. What is it?”